A Solihull couple who stepped out to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in a unique sea shanty themed walking challenge, are encouraging people to take on their own walking challenge this Autumn.
Caroline Daniels and Bob Manekshaw walked over 10 miles as part of Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk, all while singing sea shanties throughout the route, in memory of their mothers who both passed away with dementia. The couple took part in the charity’s virtual walk in March, with the in-person event returning to Birmingham’s Sutton Park following a year’s hiatus on 11 September, 2021.
The local choir members stopped at 14 notable spots and attractions throughout the walk, including Baddesley Clinton House (NT) & Church, Packwood House (NT) & Church, and the Grand Union Canal, to sing a sea shanty or folk song to support Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work. The Sing! Bentley Heath members smashed their original target of £300, raising almost £2000 for the UK’s leading dementia charity.
Caroline said: “We usually hold a fundraiser each year, which is a wonderful opportunity to get our friends and family together. Unfortunately, because of the lockdown, we have missed being able to do that.
“After seeing first-hand the devasting effects of dementia with our mums, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to raise some funds and support people living with the disease who have had such a difficult year. While I love to sing, I don’t always hit all the right notes, and because sea shanties are such a fun and inclusive way to get involved with singing, we thought it was the perfect challenge to make our Memory Walk that little bit more memorable.”
Bob continued: “Despite weekly zooms, we’ve really missed the interaction of our fellow choir members over the last year, and while we weren’t able to walk together due to lockdown, we were delighted to be met by our lovely friends and singers who surprised us along the way to show their support.
“We also talked to many people along the way who noticed our Memory Walk t-shirts about what we were doing and shared a memory or two. We originally hoped to raise £300, but we soon sailed passed that target. We’ve been so touched by how generous our friends and neighbours have been.”
The call for local residents to lace up their walking boots comes at a critical time for those affected by dementia. Over a year since the pandemic began, people with dementia are still bearing the brunt of coronavirus and demand for Alzheimer’s Society’s services is increasing.
The charity’s services have been used over five and a half million times since March 2020 and have been a lifeline to thousands, but there are so many more who urgently need support.
Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager, Kumbi Mandinyenya, said: “This Autumn we are calling on family, friends and colleagues from across the West Midlands to put their best foot forward for Alzheimer’s Society at Sutton Park.
“The last year has been tough for everyone, but for people with living with dementia the impact of coronavirus has been catastrophic. Every step our fundraisers take will make a huge difference by providing a lifeline for people affected by dementia who have been worst hit.
“We are in awe of our amazing supporters like Caroline and Bob whose fundraising efforts help fund our services which have been used over five and a half million times since the first lockdown began in March 2020, showing people need us now more than ever.”
Hundreds of supporters have already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be at Sutton Park on 11 September. Supporters can also opt to walk on their own, or with loved ones, on the paths, pavements, parks or pebbles in a location of their choosing throughout September.
